Groves dedicates Bryan Hebert Lane

Chief James Singletary and other members of the Beaumont Police Department attended the dedication ceremony and ribbon cutting for the opening of a new City of Groves street named in the honor of fallen Beaumont Police Officer Bryan Hebert.

Officer Hebert, who had been with the police department for just over 10 years and was up for a promotion to sergeant, was killed in the line of duty Friday night, July 8, 2011, during a high speed chase.

According to officers, Hebert was attempting to deploy spike strips near the intersection of Dowlen Road and Ivanhoe Lane in an effort to stop a vehicle being driven by a man fleeing from police when the incident occurred. Hebert was behind his car when the fugitive swerved into the center turning lane where the patrol car was parked and struck it head-on, according to officers who spoke with The Examiner. Nearly two years later, Hebert's family of officer Bryan found justice after the fugitive, John Wesley Nero, pleaded no contest in March 2013 to the 2011 capital murder that took Hebert’s life.

The ceremony to honor Hebert with the renaming of the street took place Tuesday, Aug. 27. The newly dedicated Bryan Hebert Lane intersects with Joplin Street, which intersects with 39th street in Groves.

Sgt. Rob Flores of Beaumont Police Department spoke these poignant words at the ceremony: "Around this time of year, over 25 years ago, three young boys were making the most of their last weekend before the school year. They probably spent the weekend riding bikes, playing football and I am quite certain one of their little sisters was doing her best to tag along. Those boys would end their evenings sitting along a ditch, laughing about their adventures, and plotting those yet to be. They would hang out long past sunset and their signal to go inside was either the streetlights coming on, or the yell of one of their mothers. That summer time activity took place in a neighborhood not too far from here. Those neighborhood boys went on to become lifelong friends. One of those boys was Bryan Hebert.

"I came to know and grew to love Bryan as we worked together at the Beaumont Police Department. Bryan was a fine officer, and he was very proud of his chosen profession. However, the thing that most defined Bryan was the love he had for his family and friends. Bryan believed in the importance of family, and his family gave him a foundation of love that enabled him to touch the lives of so many. That is why the dedication of this street in this new development is such a fitting memorial. I can think of nothing more appropriate to celebrate Bryan’s life and honor his sacrifice than providing a place for families to flourish."

One day, in the not so distant future, young boys will play on this street, well into the evening and end their day laughing about their adventures and plotting many more. They will never know the namesake of the street they live on, but I know the Hebert family, and all his friends will find comfort in the possibilities of that scene. Moreover, I know that Bryan will be looking down and flashing his sly grin, as well. Thank you, and God bless all of you who had a part in planning this awesome living tribute."